COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M University
today officially notified the Big 12 Conference that it is exploring options
related to the institution's athletic conference affiliation. Texas A&M
also requested that the Big 12 outline the process to be followed should the
university elect to withdraw from the conference.

In the letter to Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe,
Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin indicated that if the university
withdraws from the conference, Texas A&M would do so in a way that complies
with the Big 12's bylaws. Additionally, Texas A&M would be supportive of
the Big 12's efforts to seek a new member of the conference.

"As I have indicated previously, we are working very
deliberately to act in the best long-term interests of both Texas A&M and
the State of Texas. This truly is a 100-year decision," said Loftin. "While we
understand the desire of all parties to quickly reach a resolution, these are
extremely complex issues that we are addressing methodically."

"Ultimately, we are seeking to generate greater
visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber
student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial
resources to support our athletic and academic programs," Loftin added. "As a
public university, Texas A&M owes it to the state's taxpayers to maximize
our assets and generate additional revenues both now and well into the future."